NCOA Aging Mastery Program - empowering adults aged 55-plus

Colorado State University Extension for the Golden Plains Area (Phillips, Yuma, Washington, Kit Carson, Morgan and Logan counites) is pleased to announce that we will be offering a bi-weekly health and wellness package to residents 55 and over. The program is called the Aging Mastery Program®. It was developed by the National Council on Aging and has been successful at helping older adults build their own playbooks for aging well.

This is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to participate in, and reap the benefits of, this cutting-edge wellness program. We are currently recruiting adults (ages 55+) to participate in a 10 chapter, bi-weekly educational program.

The goal of this program is to empower older adults to make and maintain small but impactful changes. The classes will explore navigating longer lives, physical activity, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, medication management, advanced planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention and community engagement. For each of these classes, we will provide basic educational materials developed from highly trusted sources, a checklist of potential next steps and a system for tracking behaviors.

“The Aging Mastery class provided information for many topics relevant to senior well-being. Each class included valuable information and time for participants to share experiences and support each other. I learned so much and feel more confident about my health finances and community,” said Linda Jelden, Holyoke.

This year the group will meet every other week from Oct. 5 to Feb. 15, 2023. Classes will be held from 1-2 p.m. However, some classes may take up to 90 minutes given the presenter topic, group discussion and Q&A. Classes will be offered both in person and online (Zoom). If you are unable to watch or meet at this given time, we will be recording the sessions and allowing those that sign up, to watch the presentation and learn on their own time. We will cover 10 chapters along with some bonus information. Once again, the program starts on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Phillips County Extension office located at 22505 U.S. Hwy. 385 in Holyoke.

If you are interested in learning more about the program contact Stephanie Starkebaum at [email protected] or call the CSU-Phillips County Extension Office at (970) 854-3616.